THE STATE OF LEAVE:
KEY UPDATES ACROSS STATES AND THE NATION
February 19, 2026
12:00 – 1:00 PM EST
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST
10:00 – 11:00 AM MST
9:00 – 10:00 AM PST
REGISTER FOR OUR WEBINAR
As we look at 2026 and beyond, the state leave law landscape continues to evolve at a rapid, unprecedented pace, showing no signs of slowing down. The pressure is on for organizations to remain in compliance. Join us for a live webinar on Thursday, February 19, from 12:00–1:00 PM EST where our team of experts will help you navigate changes to the current leave laws and the new leaves laws for 2027. Additionally, we discuss the leave landscape at the federal level.
Whether you're an HR professional, benefits manager, or organizational leader, gain access to insights to help you effectively navigate the complexities of leave in 2026 and beyond.
This engaging session is hosted by The MJ Companies and The Partners Group and will feature expert speakers who will cover:
- What’s ahead for leave compliance in 2026
- State-by-state updates on Paid Sick Leave and PFML
- Key regulatory trends employers should be watching
It’s never too early to plan ahead for 2027! Don’t miss your chance to explore what’s here, what’s coming, and what every employer of choice needs to know about evolving leave laws. We look forward to seeing you there!
SHRM Credits are available for event attendees.
meet the speakers
Vice President of Legal + Compliance | The MJ Companies
Bryan Gross
Bryan Gross joined the MJ team as the director of compliance regulation and has since climbed the ranks to become the vice president of legal + compliance. In his current capacity, Bryan establishes policies and practices to ensure MJ’s regulatory and contractual compliance, overseeing the legal aspects of our benefits and compliance strategies. As an integral member of MJ’s Senior Leadership Team, he plays a pivotal role in fortifying MJ’s legal foundation and shaping its future. Remarkable accomplishments punctuate Bryan’s decade-long legal journey. Before joining MJ, he was an associate attorney in Krieg DeVault’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Practice Group. There, Bryan focused on Health & Welfare Employee Benefit Plans, offering legal counsel on complex matters such as benefit plan administration, employment contracts, severance agreements, and organizational policies.
Consultant, Total Absence Management | The Partners Group
Brycie Wasson
Brycie has dedicated her career to absence and disability management, partnering with employers nationwide from her home base in the Twin Cities. She began her journey administering FMLA leaves for one of the nation’s largest retailers, advancing to manage Absence and Disability Benefits programs before transitioning into consulting. Over the years, Brycie has implemented effective absence solutions such as harmonizing policies, integrating state Paid Family and Medical Leave programs, optimizing outsourced leave administration, and leveraging technology to streamline in-house programs. Passionate about navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, she equips employers with strategies to build compliant, efficient, and impactful absence management programs.
Senior Account Manager | The Partners Group
Marissa Hawkins
Marissa resides in San Diego as a Senior Account Manager on the Total Absence Management Team. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree from California State University, she has over a decade of experience as a senior leader in the leave of absence and disability space, known for cultivating relationships with top-tier clients. Having worked as a founding member of the implementation and business development teams at a leading third-party administrator, she is known to consistently deliver innovative solutions that meet the unique needs of senior clientele. With a proven track record in strategic planning and onboarding, she excels in guiding cross-functional teams to achieve exceptional results, ensuring client satisfaction and loyalty.
ABSENCE MANAGEMENT FOR ALL MJ CLIENTS
When your employees aren’t working, your business can’t work at its best. Our leading Absence Management team helps you reduce health and productivity costs, ensure compliance with state and federal regulations, and enhance overall employee wellbeing.